Teleconsultations in Orthopaedics – The Patient Perspective

ABSTRACT

Aim COVID-19 presents challenges in ensuring gold standard patient care in hospital settings. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of telephone consultations as a modality for delivery of orthopaedic outpatient clinics, as measured by levels of patient satisfaction. Methods N = 100 orthopaedic trauma patients who received a teleconsultation were retrospectively surveyed. The survey included specific questions related to patient satisfaction scored with a Likert scale, as well as free-form questions facilitating expansion of patient opinion. The responses were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Results In 98% (n=95) of cases respondents were either satisfied or very satisfied with telephone consultations irrespective of age group, condition or length of time since commencement of symptoms. Nearly half of all respondents (47%, n=45) would choose teleconsultation again. The provision of clear information and the convenience of teleconsultation were noted as drivers of satisfaction. Discussion Teleconsultation was associated with a high satisfaction rate and may prove an effective tool in delivering remote patient care particularly in less complex cases not requiring physical examination or updated imaging. Further work addressing patient beliefs and expectations regarding telemedicine will be beneficial. © 2021, Irish Medical Association. All rights reserved.